AVENGERS MANSION
Death of the Seventeen plus 17 months
The day would go down in history, more specifically, super-human history. Rarely had so large a group of their kind gathered in one place with a single cause in mind. In the time that passed since the fall of The Seventeen the super-hero community has found it self severely taxed. The results of some confrontations had lethal endings.
When the mutant hybrid that was called Onslaught was finally defeated, it claimed the lives of sixteen of Earth's greatest heroes, and one would-be conqueror: Dr. Victor von Doom. Dr. Bruce Banner, Captain America, Crystal, the Falcon, Giant-Man, Hawkeye, the Human Torch, Invisible Woman, Iron Man, Mr. Fantastic, Namor, Scarlet Witch, Thing, Thor, Vision and the Wasp. Each name had attached to it a long list of selfless acts with effects that would outlive those that accomplished them.
What remained, were those that would carry on the fight in a world where good and evil no longer existed in a balance.
Each of the heroes assembled were all thinking the same thing. Though no one would speak the concern, it hung heavy in the air. Were they ready to take on the responsibility? The low chatter filled most of the room as those gathered mingled together talking of old friends with fond memories. Conversation of new faces that had recently stepped into the light floated through the room as well.
The mutants in the room were all familiar to the Avengers but the students of X had been scarce even after what was being referred to as The Hydra Incident by the press. The newly formed Avengers took most of the attention and the X-Men were content to allow that to continue at the time. The name Avenger had weight to it and those in their ranks followed in footsteps almost to big to fill.
Two of the assembled were strangers to most. Peter Parker, formerly and secretly Spider-man, stood self-consciously on the raised dais in the background. He had never been in the company of so many of his peers without his costume. Thanks to Reed Richards he was now the hero Prodigy and leader of the Fantastic Four. His teammate, Greg Willis, also known as Gravity, stood with the other assembled super-heroes chatting and waiting for the start of meeting.
Dane Whitman, the Black Knight, scanned the room from the dais and could not help but be slightly awed by the gathering. He was quite certain that the people in this gathering had never all been together in the same place at the same time. The fact that everyone responded to the summons improved his mood but did nothing for his nerves. How did Cap do it back on Battleworld, Knight wondered. Those before the Black Knight were the bulk of the heroes that remained after Onslaught. While Hercules was absent, Knight knew he could be counted upon to aid in a moments notice. When the Knight offered the god Avengers membership Hercules had politely declined in favor of being a reservist.
"If I could have everyone's attention?" the Black Knight said and removed his helmet.
The gathering broke off their varied conversations and took chairs. In order to accommodate such a large gather of super-humans at Avengers Mansion they had decided to use the battle room. Jarvis had, as usual, outdone himself with the preparations.
"I would like to personally thank all of you for coming. We chose this spot because it seemed like the easiest to find.
"I think a roll call is in order though I imagine everyone is pretty familiar with everyone here. I'm Dane Whitman, the Black Knight, and current chairman of The Avengers,” Knight turned to the side of the room where his team was seated, “Avengers, sound off."
In turn, Ms. Marvel, Bill Foster: Goliath, She-Hulk and Moon Knight announced themselves.
"For the time being I am going to count myself an Avenger as well," Hank McCoy, Beast, said. "While I shall always be an X-Man, I believe everyone will be spread thin for a while."
The Black Knight thumbed in the direction to the right side of the converted training room where large monitors were on display. On one screen sat James Rhodes behind a large desk with a grand view of Manhattan, New York behind him. On another was Scott Lang. The recognizable Ant-Man helmet rested on the table next to him. The third monitor was a panoramic view of what remained of the West Coast Avengers: Tigra, Firebird and U.S. Agent.
"While James and Scott aren't actively on any roster I thought that both needed to be present to keep abreast of things. The Wackos aren't technically a team either. They're not sanctioned anyway, not until they get a full roster and we all think the timing is right. They are still active on their coast though."
Tigra and Firebird smiled and Us Agent gave the camera a two fingered salute.
Peter Parker stepped to the podium between Cyclops and the Black Knight wondering just how he had gotten into his present situation. The leader of the Fantastic Four was supposed to be someone these heroes could look to for answers.
"I...um," Parker stammered, "I’m Peter Parker, some of you know me from my loose association with Spider-Man and the pictures I took of him for the Bugle. Recently I took up being the hero Prodigy* myself in the absence of the seventeen we lost.
“I had been a Reed Richards' Fellowship winner and must have made quite an impression on Dr. Richards, because I now find myself the steward of the Fantastic Four legacy along with my teammates. I know that I have big shoes to fill, but my team and I are ready to take on the challenges that await us. Now it is my pleasure to introduce the new Fantastic Four"
*see the up coming Prodigy mini series for more on that!
"Monica Rambeau, also known as Photon, is no stranger to the crowd, and neither is Luke Cage. But like myself, Greg Willis, Gravity, is fairly new to this scene. Rest assured he is a young hero with a lot of heart and power. Please help me in welcoming him to this crazy business." Peter breathed a sigh of relief. For most of his career he was a back of the room heckler when heroes came together but now here he was front and center with all eyes on him. No masks, no humor, just plain old Peter Parker.
Cyclops, hood down and wearing his ruby quartz glasses, was no stranger to the heroes present or here via teleconference. He looked around knowing that this was the majority of the heroes in New York City. They all fit in one room. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt over all that had happened. Most of the heroes knew that it wasn't the X-Men's fault but since Charles Xavier's arrest Scott Summers was the leader and go-to man for mutant relations.
They had made a deal with SHIELD to lay low, keep out of the public eye. As Fury put it, "The public has a longer memory than we give ‘em credit for. Keep your heads down." It was those words that kept them away when all they wanted to do was put things right and help in the rebuilding.
"I look around this room and see so many heroes. The X-Men are proud we’re part of this group," Cyclops said in a solemn tone. "We have been absent in the world due to a promise I made after we lost the sixteen but I can not sit by and watch from the sidelines anymore. This is why in addition to this meeting I am announcing that we are reopening the Xavier School For Gifted Youngsters."
The gathering produced whispers and mumblings. Cyclops could not make all of them out but he got the message.
"Myself, along with my wife, Jean, and the other original students of Charles Xavier will be running the school and teaching a new dream. A dream that mixes the ideology of Charles Xavier and the world's. Mutants need to be taught how to use their powers not trained to be military units. So let me introduce just a fraction of the X-Men and we can get this meeting under way.
Cyclops cleared his throat and gestured to the left side of the room.
"Our resident furry scientist and all round good man will be working with the Avengers. Hank is a valuable asset to the mutant community too as he leads the way in biology and Genetic research. His presence on the Avengers will not only help them on a number of levels but provide an opportunity to keep our two groups in close contact. Hank will also be serving on the board of directors for the Xavier School.
“Next is Jean Grey-Summers, Phoenix, my wife and co-headmaster of the school. Bobby Drake: Iceman, while he’s often the first to get on my nerves there is no one I would rather have in battle or teaching the next generation of mutants. Also in that category is Warren Worthington. He has generously donated millions of dollars to upgrading our facilities and providing the students with uniforms and materials for their education. Also with us is Wolverine, Nightcrawler, and Storm. They will serve as part of our field team." Scott sighed briefly as he finished listing them off.
"Also," he said, "My brother Havok and his fiance Polaris have agreed to be moved to the west coast to help fill out a roster for a West Coast Avengers squad. This is our way to make good on what happened with Onslaught and to show the public that mutants can be trusted."
As he walked away from the podium he caught a glance from his beautiful wife Jean. Her smile put his heavy mind at ease and let him know that what they were doing was right. Any doubt he had about coming to this meeting was now at rest. It was their time to help make this world a better place, their way.
"Thanks, Scott." the Black Knight said and faced those assembled, "You aren't going to like what I'm about to say. The good guy’s numbers are at an all time low. We stand in the shadow of the forces of depravity, violence and selfishness and they are stronger than ever. Our enemies, are also the enemies of all mankind. That's why we're doing what we do. To save lives. We need to stand together now more than ever before and stop any kind of prejudicial nonsense that might exist between all our groups or we are going to get run down."
The Black Knight let his words set in for a beat.
"The X-Men and the Avengers have decided to mix our various teams together because our numbers are just too thin right now. We lost many of our strongest allies and the other side has lost only one. While the world is a safer place with Doom gone there are still the likes of Apocalypse, Baron Zemo, the Red Skull, Mr. Sinister, Ultron and a host of others. We have lost some of our finest minds as well. Frankly I'm surprised that none of the enemy has made a move yet.
"We need to take the initiative before they do. We need to become better organized than ever before. That's why Cyclops and I have decided to form a council. Sort of a Heroes of the Realm or a modern day round table. Leaders from the teams will be offered membership on the council and have a say on what is discussed there. Cyclops and I will be members. When the Wackos are running they will have a say. I understand the New Warriors are back in play. We will be contacting them. I've heard rumors of other groups reforming from the ashes of Onslaught and the council will assess them and decide whether or not the can be trusted to join our circle."
"So what, now we have to answer to this council?" Wolverine said, "I don't need anybody else to take orders from."
"That is a valid question, Logan." Cyclops countered, "But no, no one answers to this council, think of us as a representation of our groups keeping each other up to date. We are forging a union of our forces. We need a strong line of communication to keep one another informed and help solve problems together."
The murmur in the crowd began to grow as the news settled. Cyclops looked at the Black Knight and with a nod cleared his throat loudly to bring order back to the crowd.
"Everyone, please, let's get back on topic. The point the Knight is trying to make is we have to come together and put away old biases." The X-Men leader stepped back and let the Black Knight back up to the podium.
"Along those lines, information is absolutely imperative. There can't be doubt or questions concerning one another. Something that's on my mind and my fellow Avengers is who exactly this person claiming to be Thor is. Can anyone here answer that?"
Black Knight and Cyclops looked around at the mass of heroes. No one volunteered any information. Some looked uncomfortable. Some unsure. This wasn't going to be an easy merging of different styles and ideals. Wolverine rolled his cigar between his index finger and thumb.
"We do have a contact in SHIELD. The Black Widow might be able to answer some questions. Thor was a friend to many of us. Like some of you, I'm sure, I want to make sure that whoever is using Thor's name is up to carrying that hammer," Black Knight said.
Many of the older Avengers nodded their agreement or approval.
"My next question is for Mr. Rhodes," Black Knight said looking up at one of the large monitor screens.
James Rhodes was in the middle of taking a drink from a coffee mug emblazoned with the Stark logo.
"Fire away, Knight," Rhodes said.
"Most of us here have been seeing a new Iron Man on the news and in the air. Can you tell us if you know who that is. It isn't Tony, right?"
"I wouldn't say either way if this wasn't a secure line, on both ends. It most certainly is not Tony. I'm not wearing the armor either."
"Then who is wearing the armor?" Cyclops said.
"I'm afraid I can't tell you. He wants his identity to remain a secret and I've agreed to do that. He is under my close, personal supervision though. I promise, guys," Rhodes said half smiling and took another slug of coffee.
Peter Parker, Prodigy, had been keeping to the back of the dais hoping to keep a low profile. The Beast directed the first question towards Peter.
"What I would like to know is why the new Fantastic Four haven’t made their first appearance. We could use your collective help," the blue-furred Beast inquired.
"I umm," Peter said clearing his throat. "When Reed and the Fantastic Four sacrificed themselves to stop Onslaught that left the Richard's Foundation without a head. It took a while for the Foundation to get organized and handle bills and stuff. I was contacted after my fellowship with Dr. Richards ended abruptly. I had gone back to freelancing for the Bugle. I was completely shocked by this."
Peter knew he was babbling but figured the crowd deserved the whole truth no matter how long it took him to get there.
"It has taken me time to establish myself as a hero and get the things together for the Freedom Fours Tower historical monument. There was also the status of the Richard's Foundation and getting our team together. I am still fairly new to this hero business, and unlike my frequent model Spider-Man, I am getting my bearings straight."
"If I may, Mr. Parker," Beast said taking the podium. "Forge and I are working towards a Council-friendly, secure computer and communications network to better accommodate our sharing of information. This would connect both Avengers teams, the X-Men and any others we nominate."
The Black Knight stepped up to the microphone. "I think that covers everything that we wanted to say. Does anyone have any questions?"
The three leaders looked over the gathering of friends and allies. Some shook their heads, some remained still. None spoke.
"All right then. I call this preliminary meeting to an end. I believe Jarvis and the caterers have some food prepared. Jarvis? If you're ready you can bring it in," the Black Knight said.
All eyes turned to the main doors leading into the conference room.
Neither Jarvis or any caterers entered.
Then the power went out.
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The night air was cool as the sun faded from the sky and the stars began to show. The shadowed figures stalking outside their target felt at home under the stars that formed their namesakes. Five members of the group known as the Zodiac were looking to make an easy score. They had watched the building for awhile and no one but the Butler seemed to be at the place. The loot inside would set them up for life.
"Libra, are you sure that this is gonna work?" asked the Zodiac Capricorn.
"We have been watching this place for over a week. We haven’t seen anyone go in or out tonight. We shouldn't have any problem with one butler. Besides," he said with a smile, "This tips the scales our way."
"Enough," quieted Taurus, "The time to strike is at hand. The power is cut and we must enter before it comes back on."
The five figures leaped over the twelve foot fence on the 70th street side of the property. From there they entered into a small side entrance. The entry way was small cramped. Through artificially enhanced eyesight they noted that the walls had shelves lining them, stacked with food. They moved through the pantry single file and into a large kitchen. There were half a dozen people at work.
None of the individuals, all dressed in white noticed the new arrivals. They were mumbling and joking about possible causes of the blackout. Capricorn charged in, followed by Taurus. Both rammed their targets off a wall into unconsciousness. Sagittarius struck a woman at the base of the skull with deft knife-hand chop felling her. Leo swatted down two men standing near the large refrigerator. Libra fired a kick to the throat of a woman who fell to the ground choking.
"What on earth has happened to the power?" Jarvis said upon entering the kitchen.
The back-up power resumed revealing a very shocked butler surrounded by five members of the Zodiac. He managed one step before being knocked unconscious.
"Doesn't anyone else find it odd that the security is so lax right now?" Capricorn asked.
"All this sneaking around is stupid," said Taurus, "There are no Avengers. Our employer said so. Let's do this, I wanna look around."
Sagittarius paused as the others left the kitchen. While this was fun and a grand adventure, something nagged at him. Why were caterers preparing food for an empty mansion?
His four partners quickly spread out to check out the various angles as to not be seen.
"Guys!" Sagittarius rasped.
If any heard him they did acknowledge it.
"Wait, I hear something from the other room," Leo cautioned
"I hear it too, are you sure no one 'sides the butler is here? The kitchen was bein' used for something big," Capricorn whispered.
"It's probably just the TV. The butler is a big guy maybe he went all out on some big meal for himself," Libra said with annoyance.
"For the record I think we should bail. Something is very wrong here,” Sagittarius said.
Libra pointed towards the double doors and the five men headed towards them. There were two on either side of the entrance with Libra facing the center.
"We will get our bounty today, gentlemen and no one is going to stop us," he cackled.
Libra kicked in the door and the five men entered the room confidently, finding to their surprise that the house was far from empty.
The five criminals had never seen so large a gathering of super-heroes in one place. There were even more than when they agreed to help Quicksilver frame both teams of Avengers. Where there X-Men here too?
"Damn, did you guys pick the wrong place to heist on the wrong night," Wolverine said.
SNIKT
Almost as one, everyone in room rose to their feet.
"So much for balance," Libra said.
THE END
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AUTHOR'S NOTES
Hope everyone enjoyed this peak into the way things will be at the World Without Heroes imprint.
The heroes are ready and more than willing to tow the line now.
Stick around.
D. Bookey and C. W. Russette